Ace sc5 w review

Overview

The Elan Ace SC5 W is the women's-specific version of the SC5, sitting in Elan's new 2026/27 ACE Carving 2.0 line. It's a 72 mm-waisted piste ski built for groomer carving, and within the metal-reinforced SC family it's the friendliest, most accessible tier. With a single titanal layer and five lengths from 144 to 172 cm, it targets intermediate to advancing women who want confident edge grip on-piste without the demands of a full race-room plate.

On-snow performance

On paper the numbers point to a lively short-to-medium-radius carver. The sidecut runs 126/72/108 mm with a radius that tightens to 10.7 m and stretches to 13.5 m depending on length, so expect quick, willing turn initiation and a natural pull into rounded arcs. Full camber underfoot should keep the edge locked from tip to tail on hard snow, while the TractionTip early-rise tip is designed to ease the ski into the turn and calm chatter at the top of the arc. The single Mono Ti titanal layer suggests enough damping and grip for firm morning groomers, but at the friendlier end of the metal spectrum — stable without demanding a racer's input. The Active Suspension Drive shock absorbers are meant to smooth vibration, which should help hold a line as speeds climb.

Construction & specs explained

The Ace SC5 W is built on a Power Woodcore with RST (Racing) Sidewall Technology, which gives a sidewall construction for direct edge power transmission. A single Mono Ti titanal layer adds the damping and torsional stiffness a carver needs to grip, while keeping the ski more forgiving than a double-metal build. Full camber with the TractionTip early-rise tip defines the shape. The women's version keeps the 72 mm waist but runs a slightly narrower tip and tail (126/108 vs the unisex) at every length, and it's offered in five lengths — 144, 151, 158, 165 and 172 cm — with no 179. It's a system ski: it ships mounted with the EL 9.0 GW Shift binding, and the Active Suspension Drive integrates shock absorbers into the platform.

Who it's for & comparisons

This is a piste ski for intermediate and advancing women who mostly ski groomers and want dependable grip without a race-tier temperament. It replaces the Elan Ace pro, and it carries forward the carving DNA of the Elan Ace speed magic pro. Against the Salomon S max 10, a comparable mid-tier 72 mm system carver, the SC5 W plays in the same friendly-but-grippy space, so the choice comes down to fit, binding and feel.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Single titanal layer promises grip and damping without a full race-plate demand.
• Tight 10.7-13.5 m radius points to quick, energetic carved turns.
• Full camber plus TractionTip should balance edge hold with easy turn entry.
• Women's-specific geometry and five short-to-mid lengths from 144 cm.
• Ships as a complete system with the EL 9.0 GW Shift binding.

Cons

• 72 mm waist is a dedicated piste tool — not for soft snow or off-piste.
• System binding limits mounting and setup flexibility.
• Full-camber carver still rewards an active, engaged stance.
• No length above 172 cm for taller or more aggressive skiers.

Verdict The Ace SC5 W is the approachable metal carver in Elan's 26/27 line: a women's-specific 72 mm piste ski that should deliver real edge grip and lively turns while staying friendly enough for intermediates to grow into.